Off of Margate, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
Southern California Buddy Diving with John and Ron off of John’s Zodiac

In With: 3000 psi
Out With: 1200 psi
Max depth: 40 feet
Waves: Minor chop
Visibility: 5-10 feet
Water Temperature: Cool
Total Bottom Time: 35 minutes

The fishing boats had left our preferred spot, so we pulled anchor and moved over there.

Since I sort of felt guilty about the ease of shooting the Sheephead, I decided to only shoot White Sea Bass.

I searched and searched.

The visibility was noticeably siltier than the last dive and I saw considerably less fish.

I started to get cold and frustrated that nothing big was around to shoot.

But, I guess that’s why the fishing boats had left the area!

I got caught a few times going through the kelp, but it broke off easily and I freed myself.

John was back in the boat first, I came in…

…and Ron followed about 10 minutes later.

We cracked a few beers and enjoyed the nice first day of July.

I pose with my trophy – holding the fish closer to the camera makes it look bigger!

I drank so much beer, that I had to go for a swim to the toilets.

Gee, where are the toilets again?

Maybe Ron has the same idea?

John fired up the engine and we were soon on our way back.

North of Margate, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
Southern California Buddy Diving with John and Ron off of John’s Zodiac

In With: 2900 psi
Out With: 1200 psi
Max depth: 40 feet
Waves: Minor chop
Visibility: 5-10 feet
Water Temperature: Cool
Total Bottom Time: 45 minutes

I picked Ron up at 7 AM.

We met John at the docks where his yacht is moored.

We boated just outside of the breakwater where the engine died.

John had a portable jump starter that brought the engine back to life.

We continued on a bumpy ride to a spot just North of Margate.

I fell over on one of the tanks and heard a distinct hissing sound – that’s not something you want to hear when you’re in an inflatable boat.

It turned out to be a stuck second stage that I hit a few times to stop the airflow.

There were fishing boats around our preferred spot so we ventured and anchored a little North.

I jumped over with my spear gun and went hunting for the White Sea Bass that were spotted last time.

Visibility sort of sucked; I almost ran in to Ron as we crossed paths.

There were a few good-sized Sheephead that I didn’t want to shoot – they’re too easy – like shooting your own dog.

But, as I gave up hope for the White Sea Bass, I shot at a good sized Sheephead and nailed it right behind the head.

I hunted going back to the boat, after surfacing a few times to get my bearings.

John was back in the boat; he had given up hunting earlier because his band broke on his spear gun.

Ron came back shortly afterwards.